Adoption Regulations 2017

The issue of revision in the Guidelines governing Adoption of Children, 2011 has been under consideration of the Government of India. These Guidelines have been in operation for more than 4 years, however, there has been slow progress in the number of adoptions in the country, several issues have arisen since the adoption of 2011 Guidelines such as unusual delays in processes, complex application forms, lack of clarity in documents required, restrictive inter-country adoptions and absence of timelines for different stages of adoption.

The long list of prospective adoptive parents on one hand and children awaiting adoption in various child care institutions on the other hand is a concern that requires immediate attention. Keeping in view the best interest of children and recognizing that a loving family environment is most conducive for the overall well-being and growth of the child, the Government had framed new Guidelines governing the Adoption of Children, 2015 by streamlining adoption of children through an online portal CARINGS thereby making the entire process transparent and swift.

The Adoption Regulations 2017 have been framed keeping in mind the issues and challenges faced by CARA and other stake holders including the Adoption Agencies & Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs). This will further strengthen adoption programme in the country by streamlining the adoption process. Transparency, early deinstitutionalization of children informed choice for the parents, ethical practices and strictly defined timelines in the adoption process are the salient aspects of the Adoption Regulations.